Fall 2010 - Hôpital Saint

Believe.
Fall 2010
She has a whole
lot of heart
St-Boniface Hospital gives young
woman a second chance at life
KRistin millaR BelieVes in thinKing positiVely, and
that includes her experience with heart failure. “i’m grateful
because it has helped me learn what is really important in
life,” says 27-year-old Kristin.
as a teenager, Kristin had no symptoms of heart disease. after
fainting during a routine workout in 2001, Kristin, then 18, made
an appointment with her doctor. she was shocked to learn that
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (hcm) had caused her to faint.
hcm is a disease that affects the muscles of the heart, causing
them to thicken. in rare cases, it can cause sudden heart failure
and death.
Kristin Millar is alive and well, thanks to the lifesaving care she received at St-Boniface Hospital
in november 2009, Kristin thought she had the flu; she was
nauseated, weak and tired. the symptoms persisted through
christmas and on December 28, 2009, she was rushed to
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
C ETT E I N F O R M AT I O N E ST
DISPONIBLE EN FRANCAIS
(204)237-2067
insiDe
A first birthday fundraiser for the NICU
MegaMillion Lotto winners give back
2010 St-Boniface Hospital Radiothon of Hope
and Healing raises $70,000
The changing face of mental health
Patient, employee, donor
4
6
7
9
10
saintboniface.ca
Believe | Fall 2010 | 1
cont’d from page 1
St-Boniface Hospital in cardiac shock. The emergency
care providers found that her heart was functioning at
only six per cent of its pumping capacity.
Dr. Darren Freed, Director of the Surgical Heart Failure
Program, and Dr. Shelley Zieroth, Medical Director of
the Surgical Heart Failure Program, were called upon
immediately. Dr. Freed performed emergency heart
surgery on Kristin, implanting a ventricular assist device
(VAD) to keep her heart pumping. The U-shaped device
is attached to her heart and connects to two lithium
batteries which power the system. Kristin must carry
the battery pack with her at all times.
Because the VAD continually pumps blood through
her body on behalf of her heart, Kristin does not, in
fact, have a pulse. “It’s a pretty great party trick,”
Kristin laughs.
daily and enjoys cardio activity, weight training and
yoga classes.
Kristin sees Dr. Zieroth on a monthly basis for routine
check-ups. Dr. Zieroth helps keep Kristin in shape while
she waits for her heart.
“We really just talk about shoes,” says Kristin, joking
about the bond that she’s formed with her Cardiologist.
“Dr. Freed, Dr. Zieroth and the other health care
providers at St-Boniface Hospital saved me in more
ways than one,” says Kristin. “I am a different person
now, a better person than I was before my surgery. I am
more generous and appreciate my friends and family
more than ever before.”
Prior to 2008, the heart pump which was used to save
Kristin’s life was not available to patients in Manitoba.
Anyone who needed the VAD implant had to be
relocated out-of-province, having to bear some of the
expense as a personal cost. This surgery is now available
at St-Boniface Hospital, thanks to the creation of the
Surgical Heart Failure Program, led by Dr. Freed. The
Program is a valuable addition to the Cardiac Sciences
Program, and truly makes St-Boniface Hospital a centre
of cardiac excellence.
Kristin is now waiting for a heart transplant. Because
the call could come at any moment, it is important
that she stay in the best possible health. She exercises
Donor support
saves lives
Donor funded heart transplantation
research is improving health care
in Manitoba
Research is an integral component of
the Surgical Heart Failure Program. In addition to
his role as a cardiac surgeon and Director of the
Program, Dr. Freed is also a Principal Investigator
in Regenerative Cardiology. The primary aim of
his research is to identify innovative therapeutic
options for the treatment of advanced heart
failure.
One exciting focus of this program examines the use of
a patient’s own stem cells (found in bone marrow) to
regenerate their damaged heart. Regenerative therapy
2 | Fall 2010 | Believe
Dr. Darren Freed and Dr. Shelley Zieroth, Kristin’s cardiac
surgeon and cardiologist, with a ventricular assist device, like
the one that was implanted in Kristin’s chest to save her life.
may one day play a major role in the treatment of heart
disease and heart failure.
This innovative research would not be possible without
the support of St-Boniface Hospital Foundation donors,
who fund life-saving research at the hospital.
“Thanks to the support of the community I have been
able to conduct my research and practice as a surgeon
at one hospital,” says Freed. “St-Boniface Hospital offers
unique opportunities for collaboration, which is one of
the major reasons that I am here in Manitoba today.”
Message from the Chairman
the sUmmeR anD eaRly Fall is a busy time for
st-Boniface hospital Foundation.
Between supporting third-party events, offering the
Fall cash lotto, hosting a Radiothon and planning for
the coming year, the Foundation staff and Board of
Directors are hard at work raising funds and awareness
for health care and life-saving medical research at
st-Boniface hospital.
in fact, this time of year is so busy that we have decided
to expand our traditional eight page Believe newsletter
to 12 pages, because we have so many great stories of
hope and healing to share with you!
i would like to thank the donors, sponsors, supporters
and volunteers who made the 2010 st-Boniface
hospital Radiothon of hope and healing, presented
by Vickar automotive group, a tremendous success!
not only did the event raise more than $70,000 for the
hospital, it also raised awareness as patients, health care
providers and other st-Boniface hospital supporters
shared their stories with 99.9 BoB Fm and cURVe
94.3 listeners.
eArly Bird drAw
novemBer 25th 2010
St-Boniface Ho pital
mAin prize drAw
decemBer 2nd 2010
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125
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all cash prizes
$
75,000 grand prize
$
50 draws for $1,000!
tickets$40
40 each or 3 for $100
All proceeds support he
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or online
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this fall, we re-launched the st-Boniface hospital Fall
cash lotto. the traditional lotto format has been
eagerly re-embraced by our loyal lottery supporters.
i encourage everyone to contact the Foundation
by phone 237-2067, or online at saintboniface.ca to
purchase their ticket for the all-cash lottery, which
features an incredible $75,000 grand prize. also, be
sure to watch your mailbox for information on the 2011
megamillion lotto, launching in early january 2011.
as always, on behalf of the st-Boniface hospital
Foundation Board of Directors, i would like to thank
yoU, for making the incredible health care and
research at st-Boniface hospital possible through
your donations, lottery purchases and volunteerism.
aidan o’Brien
Chairman, St-Boniface Hospital Foundation
st-BoniFaCe Hospital FounDation
BoarD oF DireCtors 2010
aidan o’Brien,
Chairman
Frank plett, SecretaryTreasurer & Chair,
Bill hanson, Vice-Chair Major Gifts
Kevin Williams, Chair,
Bill Fraser, Vice-Chair
Finance Committee
gwen hatch,
james allison
Past-Chair
Rémi Bisson
john graham, Chair,
susan Freig
Richard good
Brigitte léger
Dr. Bill leslie
Doug stephen
Dr. michel tétreault
Marketing Committee
Karen Bryk
Rob Vanderhooft
leslie Dornan, Chair,
Annual Giving
Committee
Robert campbell
larry Vickar
joe Fiorentino
andrew yorke
contact us at (204) 237-2067, toll free at 1-888-4saintB,
or by fax (204) 231-0041
We’re located at the st-Boniface hospital: Room D1003,
409 taché avenue, Winnipeg, manitoba R2h 2a6
Visit us at saintboniface.ca for more information on current
projects, upcoming events, lotteries, stories on people like you,
and much, much more!
Believe | Fall 2010 | 3
a first birthday
fundraiser for the niCU
the last thing saRah haiDey expected as
she prepared to deliver her second child was a
two-week stay in the st-Boniface hospital neonatal
intensive care Unit (nicU). her first child had arrived
in a joyful, predictable fashion, and there was
nothing to suggest things would go differently this
time. But they did.
sarah’s water broke at 32 weeks, and she was quickly
admitted to st-Boniface hospital. When baby everett
arrived on june 20, 2009, he was whisked to the nicU,
where for 15 days he would be cared for and carefully
monitored. it was a difficult experience for sarah,
adjusting to nicU staff caring for her child.
“i wanted to be the one caring for my baby and it
was hard to watch other people holding him, caring
for him,” she says. “it was such an emotional time. as
everett grew and progressed, though, we saw how
important those days at the nicU were, and how much
the staff contributed to his development.”
With everett’s first birthday approaching, sarah and her
husband, chad, decided that a party was in order. “We
invited about 80 of our closest friends,” sarah laughs,
“and asked them not to bother with a gift, but to bring
a donation for the st-Boniface hospital nicU instead.”
the family and their friends raised $1,300 dollars that
day, and soon after sarah, chad and everett brought
the donation to the hospital along with a birthday cake
and two quilts made by sarah’s mother.
“she created them using extra fabric from a quilt she’d
made for everett. the staff was able to present them to
a mom whose twins were on the unit at the time. the
mom was so happy she sent us a thank you card!”
niCu reunion a
JoyFul CeleBration
on sUnDay, octoBeR 17, 2010, dozens of
families gathered in st-Boniface hospital’s everett
atrium to celebrate the neonatal intensive care
Unit’s (nicU) first annual harvest party, an event
honouring “graduates” of the nicU.
Five thousand three hundred babies are born at stBoniface hospital each year. seven hundred of those
babies will require specialized intensive care at birth or
soon after. those infants will stay in the nicU until they
are well enough to go home. some infants spend only a
few days in nicU, while others spend weeks or months
getting well.
4 | Fall 2010 | Believe
Proud parents and their children are reunited at
the St-Boniface Hospital’s NICU Harvest Party
During this time, nicU health care providers and
parents form a special bond as they work together to
care for the children.
at the harvest party, nicU graduates, their families and
st-Boniface hospital staff were reunited. the event was
also a chance for parents to meet other families and see
how nicU graduates have grown into healthy, vibrant
and happy kids!
tHe DoCtor is in every sunDay
Morning at 11 a.M. on CJoB 680
EVERY SUNDAY AT 11 A.M. TUNE INTO CJOB 680 FOR THE HEALTH REPORT, A PRODUCTION
OF ST-BONIFACE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION, FOR YOUR WEEKLY HEALTH CHECK-UP
the health Report kicked off its fourth season on
sunday, september 26, 2010. the one-hour radio
program brings health care issues to the airwaves with
commentary from some of manitoba’s top medical
professionals.
Charles LaFlèche and
Greg Mackling, hosts
of The Health Report
this season, st-Boniface hospital Foundation president
& ceo, charles laFlèche joins greg mackling, as co-host
of the popular show.
“i’m a big fan of the health Report! i’ve been tuning in
since 2007 to hear about patient care programs and
medical research taking place right here in manitoba,”
said laFlèche. “greg has done a great job hosting the
program and i’m really excited to be joining him. We’re
going to have a lot of fun together this season.”
you can be part of the conversation by calling 780-6868
or hit pound 680 for mts cell phone subscribers. share
your thoughts or ask the experts questions.
Visit the health Report online for past episodes,
bios on our hosts and information on our guests at
www.saintboniface.ca.
Message from the President & CEO
one of the many things i like about living in manitoba is
the four distinct seasons. there is something very special
about the seasons changing. in the case of the fall, i love
the crisp air hitting your lungs and the rustling of leaves
around you as you walk. a change of season is a good
time for reflection. as i reflect on my first four months
as president & ceo of st-Boniface hospital Foundation
i realize that there are many more things i like about
manitoba than the four seasons.
i thought i was well versed on the tremendous
accomplishments of the grey nuns since their arrival
on the banks of the Red River in 1844, which included
founding st-Boniface hospital nearly 140 years ago – the
first hospital in Western canada. i knew that their initial
efforts had morphed into a very complex and highly
functional hospital and a free-standing research centre
with intricate links to the University of manitoba and the
Winnipeg Regional health authority. What i did not have
a true appreciation for was to what extent the generosity
of manitobans allows st-Boniface hospital Foundation to
participate in, and in some cases enable, the great work of
our health care providers and researchers.
as you will see when reading this newsletter, that
generosity is exhibited in community support of
initiatives like our Fall cash lotto and our very successful
2010 st-Boniface hospital Radiothon of hope and healing
with 99.9 BoB Fm and cURVe 94.3. it is also exhibited
through the establishment of endowment funds like the
Kalwant Dhalla Research technician award, major gifts
like the one made by Richard and joyce Brownscombe,
and through the generousity of monthly donors like
Dennis sweeney.
i am humbled by the generosity and support of our
donors, which allows our health care professionals and
researchers to do what they do best: save lives. For this, i
extend my sincerest thanks.
Best personal regards,
Charles (Chuck) LaFlèche, CMA, FCMA
President & CEO
St-Boniface Hospital Foundation
Believe | Fall 2010 | 5
MegaMillion Lotto
winners give back
“i Feel liKe i jUst Won the
lotto again,” said Diane
hebert after writing a cheque for
$5,000 at the 2010 st-Boniface
hospital Radiothon of hope and
healing, presented by Vickar
automotive group.
on march 17, 2010, Diane and
gerald hebert’s lives changed
forever when they won the $1
million grand prize in the st-Boniface
hospital 2010 megamillion lotto.
after supporting the st-Boniface
hospital for years the heberts were
overwhelmed and overjoyed to see
their charity, very literally, pay off.
the heberts used the $1 million to
pay debt, set up education funds for
their children and grandchild, and
help their parents retire in comfort.
But there was still one item on their
to-do list: pay it forward and give
back to the hospital that had made
them millionaires.
“We always bought tickets for
st-Boniface hospital lotteries
because the health care providers at
the hospital had cared for our family
over the years,” said Diane. “after
winning, we planned to make a big
donation to the hospital. We were
just waiting for the right time.”
While driving home on october 14,
Diane and gerald heard a call for
donations on 99.9 BoB Fm during
the Radiothon.
“We just knew that this was the
right time to make our donation,”
said gerald. “We drove straight
St-Boniface Hospital Foundation President &
CEO, Charles LaFlèche, with 2010 MegaMillion
Lotto winners, Diane and Gerald Hebert
to st-Boniface hospital to write
the cheque.”
Rather than calling in their donation,
Diane and gerald dropped it off in
person so they could visit the everett
atrium where they were presented
with their $1 million cheque in
march 2010.
“that oversized cheque is still in
our living room,” said gerald.
“it reminds us every day of how
fortunate we are.”
Vickar Automotive Group
Employees Support the 2010
St-Boniface Hospital Radiothon
of Hope and Healing
through payroll deductions and events and then gifts
the money to charities selected by the committee.
Vickar Automotive Group employees Devon Cuscito, Kathy
Serediuk and Jarred Tymm present a cheque for $2000 to
Charles LaFlèche, President & CEO, St-Boniface Hospital
Foundation
laRRy VicKaR leaDs By eXample. the president
& ceo of Vickar automotive group supports
numerous charitable organizations and events each
year, both as an individual and through corporate
donations. Vickar’s avid community involvement
has built a culture of philanthropy throughout his
companies.
each year, the 300 Vickar automotive group employees
donate upwards of $25,000 and hundreds of hours
of volunteer time to their communities. the Vickar
employee group social committee fundraises internally
6 | Fall 2010 | Believe
When larry Vickar announced that his company would
be the presenting sponsor of the 2010 st-Boniface
hospital Radiothon of hope and healing, the Vickar
employee group social committee announced that
they would also like to make a donation to the hospital.
the Vickar employees did not stop there, several
philanthropically-minded staff members volunteered
to work on their day off, answering phones and
taking donations.
Devon cuscito, Kathy serediuk and jarred tymm,
arrived at st-Boniface hospital at 8 a.m. on october
14, to present a cheque for $2000 to charles laFlèche,
st-Boniface hospital Foundation president & ceo, on
behalf of Vickar automotive group’s employees.
“i am always impressed by the generousity of my staff. i
have truly great employees!” said Vickar. “their donation
is not only a testament to their charitable nature, but
also to the cause. i am very happy that my employees
see value in supporting st-Boniface hospital, a
cornerstone in our community.”
From left: Charles LaFlèche, President & CEO, St-Boniface Hospital Foundation; Beau, 99.9 BOB FM morning host; Frazier,
99.9 BOB FM morning host; Brenlee Carrington, Chair, 2010 St-Boniface Hospital Radiothon of Hope and Healing, presented
by Vickar Automotive Group; Andrea Collins, CURVE 94.3 morning host; Dale Davies, CURVE 94.3 morning host; Tom Milroy,
99.9 BOB FM morning host
2010 STBONIFACE HOSPITAL RADIOTHON
OF HOPE AND HEALING RAISES $70,000!
Donor response so strong phone lines remain open for an additional day
the 2010 st-BoniFace hospital RaDiothon oF
hope and healing, presented by Vickar automotive
group, in partnership with 99.9 BoB Fm and cURVe
94.3, raised an incredible $70,000 for health care and
medical research at st-Boniface hospital.
the highly successful event kicked off on thursday,
october 14, at 6 a.m. when 99.9 BoB Fm and cURVe
94.3 began broadcasting from the st-Boniface hospital
everett atrium. phone lines remained open until 8 p.m.
and due to demand, reopened again all day Friday.
st-Boniface hospital patients, health care providers
and other supporters shared their stories of hope and
healing with 99.9 BoB Fm and cURVe 94.3 listeners. le
garage coordinated local bands, and live entertainment
delighted st-Boniface hospital staff, patients and
visitors in the everett atrium.
Larry Vickar, President, Vickar Automotive Group, and Presenting
Sponsor of the 2010 St-Boniface Hospital Radiothon of Hope and
Healing, with Scott Morris, 99.9 BOB FM afternoon host
Brenlee Carrington on air with Kelly Parker, 99.9 BOB FM
evening host
“We are very proud to have been a key partner in the
2010 st-Boniface hospital Radiothon of hope and
healing. it was truly a great event in support of a great
cause,” said chris stevens, Vice-president and general
manager, chUm Radio Winnipeg.
monies raised will support three key programs at
st-Boniface hospital: the cardiac sciences program,
the mental health program and the Woman & child
program.
“on behalf of everyone at st-Boniface hospital
Foundation i would like to extend my sincerest thanks
to the 2010 st-Boniface hospital Radiothon of hope
and healing donors, sponsors, partners and volunteers
for their time, energy and support," said Brenlee
carrington, chair, 2010 st-Boniface hospital Radiothon
of hope and healing. "thanks to the commitment of
a caring and dedicated group of people we were able
to raise $70,000 for patient care and medical research.
those funds will be applied directly to the health care
programs that matter to manitobans."
Believe | Fall 2010 | 7
Red Top Fundraiser
events
events
August 7, 2010
the Red top Drive inn has been a Winnipeg landmark
since it opened in 1960. the restaurant quickly became
the go-to stop for a late night burger and homemade
root beer.
When gus scouras, one of the three founding partners
of Red top, retired in 1997, his brother john and
sister-in-law Vicky took over operations. ten years later,
john suffered a heart attack and passed away while
vacationing in greece.
today, Vicky and her son are proud to continue the
scouras family tradition, serving tasty food at the Red
top Drive inn. the restaurant celebrated 50 years at
its st. mary’s Road location on august 7, 2010, by
giving back to the community that has supported it
for five decades.
they decided to donate a portion of all sales on august
7, to st-Boniface hospital Foundation. that money will
support health care and medical research, including the
cardiac sciences program, which integrates all cardiac
services in manitoba at st-Boniface hospital.
thank you Red top Drive inn!
Wogie Invitational Golf Tournament
August 19, 2010
on saturday, august 19, at the links at Quarry oaks,
chris Wolgemuth, or “Wogie,” hosted the 11th annual
Wogie invitational golf tournament to raise funds
for st-Boniface hospital’s tourette’s syndrome (ts)
outpatient services and ts awareness.
Wogie knows first hand how important the st-Boniface
hospital’s ts outpatient services are, he has relied on
them for many years to help manage his condition.
Chris Wolgemuth and Wanda Grift, Ambulatory Care Nurse,
St-Boniface Hospital, at the 11th Annual Wogie Invitational
Golf Tournament
Rock the Cradle
September 10, 2010
on november 27, 2008, st-Boniface hospital lost an
incredible doctor, teacher and friend. Dr. philip hall
was the Director of the Fetal assessment, obstetrical
outreach program at st-Boniface hospital and chair
of the medical advisory council. Dr. hall spent nearly
twenty years caring for mothers and newborns and
teaching medical residents at st-Boniface hospital.
in honour of her late husband, judith hall established
the Dr. philip hall cradle Fund, an endowment to
support and enhance the work of the st-Boniface
hospital obstetrical outreach program.
on Friday, september 10, 2010, judith, along
with family and friends, hosted Rock the cradle, a
fundraising evening for the Dr. phil hall cradle Fund.
in addition to his love of medicine, Dr. hall was a strong
supporter of the arts. he was a gifted writer and had
8 | Fall 2010 | Believe
the Wogie invitation golf tournament has raised more
than $85,000 for st-Boniface hospital since it was
created. this year’s tournament was a fantastic success.
participants enjoyed a beautiful day on the course,
followed by a banquet dinner.
a true appreciation for shakespeare. Rock the cradle
celebrated many of the things Dr. hall loved in life,
good food, wine, music, and shakespearean vignettes,
while raising funds for his professional passion – health
care and medical education.
Judith Hall, Nicholas Hall, Ashleigh Hall and husband Josh,
honour their late father and husband, Dr. Philip Hall
Paying it forward
Bill Brownscombe had an indomitable
spirit and he enjoyed going out of his way to
help others. Bill also belonged to many different
organizations that reflected his various passions,
which included horticulture, golf and curling during
his lifetime. More importantly, he was always happy
to welcome a new member into the group.
When Bill passed away in 2005, his son Richard and
daughter-in-law, Joyce, knew they wanted to honour
their father by helping the staff at St-Boniface Hospital
through a gift to St-Boniface Hospital Foundation
(SBHF).
“My father was such a people person. We talked about
the kind of gift that would be relevant to him and my
mother before he passed away,” said Richard. “They
both felt that they wanted to provide support for the
people on the front lines, to make their jobs easier.”
When the SBHF presented the idea of funding the
production of a DVD for patients of the Cardiac
Sciences Program, outlining the
procedures and recovery process
following heart surgery, Richard
and Joyce knew the project was
a good fit.
Richard Brownscombe
Richard remembers the “rickety old VHS tape” the
hospital gave incoming patients, like his father, to help
them prepare for their surgery and he was happy to
provide an updated version. The new video includes
insight from former heart surgery patients, discusses
the surgery itself and the rehabilitation process.
Richard says giving to SBHF has been a great way to
honour his father and a great experience.
“The most worthwhile part of all of this has been how
the Foundation has treated me. They’ve given us so
much support, and sought our input and our feedback
in working to find a project that would be meaningful
for us. It has meant a lot,” said Richard.
The changing face of mental health
Older patients are fast becoming the biggest
demographic in need of mental health services.
While young people often have family-focused
concerns, seniors’ conditions are often linked to
physical health concerns.
“Depression is not all in your mind, as some people
think of it,” said Enns. “There’s clearly a brain-body
connection when it comes to understanding depression.”
Seniors have special needs in terms of treatment.
Over the last two decades, the focus of mental health
has evolved from inpatient services to working with
patients in their own environment.
“People with serious mental illnesses often require
lengthy treatment periods and need ongoing support to
live the best life they can outside the hospital,” said Enns.
Dr. Murray Enns and Ed Ziesmann
A packed house enjoyed an informative
conversation about mental health at the Reh-Fit
Centre on Saturday, October 23, 2010. Dr. Murray
Enns, Medical Director of the Mental Health Program
at St-Boniface Hospital (SBH), and Mr. Ed Ziesmann,
Program Director of the Mental Health Program,
discussed the changing landscape of mental health
in Canada and the transformation of patient care
at SBH.
The physical space of the Mental Health Program at
SBH has changed, too. Adult beds have been reduced
from 48 to 30, and accessibility renovations have become
a main focus.
“We’ve had to install grab-bars in washrooms and patient
rooms, and look at different types of furniture because
of the needs of an aging population,” says Ziesmann.
To support the Mental Health Program, please call
237-2067 or visit St-Boniface Hospital Foundation
online at saintboniface.ca.
Believe | Fall 2010 | 9
Patient,
employee,
donor
Dennis Sweeney, once a St-Boniface Hospital patient, works for the
hospital and makes monthly donations to St-Boniface Hospital
Foundation. Dennis is standing next to the glass pane on the SBHF Tribute
Wall in the Everett Atrium where both he and his mother are recognized
Dennis Sweeney holds a small statue of
Marguerite d’Youville, founder of the Grey
Nuns, as he recounts one of his earliest experiences
with St-Boniface Hospital. In 1972, Sweeney, then
29, was rushed to St-Boniface Hospital for stomach
surgery – the eighth of nine surgeries Sweeney
would undergo as a result of what was later
diagnosed as Crohn’s Disease.
The Grey Nuns, many still on staff at St-Boniface
Hospital, greeted Sweeney’s parents.
“When they saw how sick I was they took my parents
aside and told them to be prepared, in case I didn’t
make it, and to pray for my recovery,” says Sweeney.
“They gave my parents a small statue of the blessed
Marguerite d’Youville and asked them to give it to me if
I recovered so that I could give thanks to the Sister.”
“I believe that it is through prayers that I pulled
through. The Grey Nuns said that it was a miracle!”
Three years later, on February 5, 1975, his mother’s
birthday, Sweeney returned to the Hospital for a
job interview. Since having 9 operations in 10 years,
Sweeney’s doctor had recommended that he begin
back to work only part time. The Hospital had a part
time opening in Computing Services, where patient
admissions, transfers and discharges were manually
organized. He moved into a full time position with
Computing Services in 1977.
Thirty-eight years later, Sweeney has received a number
of valuable keepsakes from St-Boniface Hospital. The
most recent was given on October 18, 2010, when
Sweeney was honoured for his many years of faithful
service with a silver and sapphire 35 years of service
pin, which he wears proudly on his lapel.
10 | Fall 2010 | Believe
“My experience as a patient gave me a real appreciation
for St-Boniface Hospital and I thought that it would
be nice to work here and give back to the community
that helped me,” says Sweeney. “The Hospital is like a
second family to me. Through the years the Grey Nuns
have represented respect, caring, stewardship and now
today, hope and healing. I’m proud to be able to help
carry on the Grey Nuns’ legacy”
Sweeney gives back to the hospital not only as
an employee, but also as a St-Boniface Hospital
Foundation (SBHF) donor. In 1985, when Sweeney’s
mother, Nan, died of heart disease, he requested that
donations be sent to the SBHF in lieu of flowers. Then,
in 1988, Sweeney became a SBHF monthly donor to
honour his mother’s memory and has continued to
make monthly donations and support various SBHF
campaigns for the past 22 years.
Both Dennis Sweeney and his mother, Nan Sweeney,
are recognized on the SBHF Tribute Wall in the Everett
Atrium. Today, he makes monthly donations on behalf
of both his mother and father.
“St-Boniface Hospital is truly fortunate to have so many
remarkable employees whose efforts have created a
world class research facility and one of the greatest
health care facilities around, as it continues on the road
to perfect care improving the quality of life for all who
come here to be treated,” says Sweeney.
To become a monthly donor, or to learn more about the
monthly giving program, please contact Krislyn Glays,
Development Coordinator at 237-2068 or by email at
[email protected].
St-Boniface Hospital researchers establish
endowment in honour of a colleague
THE KALWANT DHALLA RESEARCH TECHNICIAN
AWARD WILL SUPPORT EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AT ST-BONIFACE HOSPITAL
KalWant Dhalla tooK
gReat pRiDe in his WoRK
as a Research technician at
st-Boniface hospital, supporting
research at the institute of
cardiovascular sciences for
more than two decades. he
was well respected and loved
by his colleagues, who held a
formal retirement dinner for
him on march 16, 2010. the
research community was
greatly saddened by news of
his untimely passing only a
few short months later.
on june 5, 2010, Dhalla died of heart
failure, the disease he had spent
his life researching and trying to
understand. When news of Dhalla’s
death reached his colleagues,
Dr. pawan singal, Director of the
institute of cardiovascular sciences,
began arrangements to establish an
endowment fund in Dhalla’s honour.
“i immediately called a meeting of
my advisory council to float the
idea by them,” said Dr. singal. “and
they supported it unanimously.”
Kalwant Dhalla at work at St-Boniface
Hospital
When Dhalla’s funeral was held
two days later, on june 7, Dr. singal
had already made arrangements
to establish the Kalwant Dhalla
Research technician award, and
was able to invite friends, family and
colleagues to make a donation to
the fund in Dhalla’s memory.
the Kalwant Dhalla Research
technician award will be given
out for the first time on Friday,
november 5, at the 12th annual
institute of cardiovascular sciences
symposium.
the community was extremely
supportive and the endowment has
since grown to more than $17,000.
the endowment will fund an annual
award, presented to a Research
technician who has provided
outstanding service in research
at st-Boniface hospital.
if you would like to make a
donation in support of the award,
or learn more about establishing
an endowment fund, please
contact sara penner, Director of
Development, st-Boniface hospital
Foundation at 235-3696 or by email
at [email protected].
Creating an Endowment Fund
Monthly Giving Program
With a one time or accumulated gift of $10,000 or
more, you can create a permanently named fund at
st-Boniface hospital Foundation. this is a great way
to create a sustainable legacy in your name, a family
member’s name or even for a friend or colleague.
monthly giving is an easy, convenient and cost effective
way for you to support incredible, life-saving projects
at st-Boniface hospital.
every year the investment income your endowment
fund generates will be granted out to support the
vital work being done at st-Boniface hospital.
Donors can determine what specific area of the
hospital or what kind of research they would like
their fund to support.
By establishing an endowment fund you are
contributing to future generations by supporting
the exceptional health care and research that is vital
to all of us.
Why become a monthly donor?
• Your contribution has growing impact every month.
a modest monthly gift will have a tremendous
impact over time.
• It’s easy and convenient for you! Your gift is made
automatically every month either by credit card or
directly from your bank account.
• We will send you one consolidated tax receipt at the
end of the calendar year for income tax purposes.
Rather than make one or two donations each year,
you can donate monthly using direct debit from your
bank account, Visa, mastercard or american express.
it’s that easy to save lives 12 months a year!
Believe | Fall 2010 | 11
thank you
in MeMory oF
jack ablett
shirley ager
joao maria amaral
Donna Rae ames
Fred anderson
joyce anderson
ernest audette
eva Backeland
addie Bailey
Beverley Bakun
Boris Balamatowski
susan Balamatowski
Walter Bargenda
Robert Barrott
craig Bear
edward l Beaudry
Zita Bernstein
lucille Berube
Rup Rani Bhagria
stella Blaschuk
pat Blobel
lina mariette Boily
john Borud
Dwain Boss
Diane Boyle
irene Boyle
larry Kenneth Brezinski
albert Brook
arthur carriere
al church
Rene levi collette
lloyd cordingley
leslie corey
alma cox
Brian cruickshank
Rolande Debusschere
Doris Delmage
helene Deniset
Doug Dent
Kalwant singh Dhalla
Koziarski Diane
elvira Dittberner
george Doig
marcel Dorge
arrunnah (Rooney) Douglas
john Douglas
William Drew
nancy Kae Drummond
anne Dubinsky
evelyn Dunn
john eggerman
patricia everett
Valerie e Farr
earl Flint
Bernice Flood
linda Fortescue
antoine gaborieau
paul gaerke
helene gagne
john gannon
christopher geib
Baby Keenan nicholai
gemmell
jack gillespie
Karyn globerman
Denis gobeil
Dr Bronislaw anton gorski
mary grywinski
antoine (tony) &
marie-louise guertin
maurice gunness
ghassem hakimi
Dr philip F hall
joe hayakawa
hartwig hein
Dora hemming
edward g hird
Darryl honer
ona janciukas
Baby tarynn Rae jenner
gladys johnstone
carl Kaiser
jim Karlson
David Kaufman
carolyn l Keith
thomas Kelunick
larry Kenneth
Desmond Frank Kerley
a special thank you to those who made contributions between
may 1 to august 31, 2010 to the st-Boniface hospital Foundation
in honour or in memory of the individuals listed below:
Dr james Rodway
Kirkpatrick
lawrence Kornago
Frank Krahn
michael Kucher
joe Kuffner
paul laForest
Kenneth lailey
Bill landiak
aurelia last
mrs lavy
Debbie leite
paul lejeune
Roger lloyd lepage
Daniel lie
Baby charlotte anne
elizabeth lockhart
susan macDonald
lawrence (larry) marchinko
Russell martens
edward martinson
ada mccallum
William e mcDougall
michael moshenko
paul mousseau
Dr sam muchnik
Kim munt
jean mushey
angela obirek
sumiye omotani
Demion orzechowski
jim orzechowski
lawrence & anastasia
orzechowski
shawn ostapchuk
louise otto
elana palay
albert pare
iwan peniak
jerry peters
Karl philipp
georges picton
shirley pintea
Donald primeau
hector l proulx
graeme c Remple
helen Riesberry
hedwig Ritchie
jennie R Robb
Ruth Robb
Betty Rodie
David e Romesar
Becky Ruvinsky
terry thomas sager
alfred saler
Fredrick sass
Denise savard
joy schram
alma schroffel
mary shott
louise smendziuk
pauline smith
jim smolinski
christopher solylo
emil stasiuk
john a sweeney
nan sweeney
laurence tanner
Kenzie thurston
marion torch
Flore toupin
jean turney
irene tychonick
Real (Rhiel) Vandale
olive audrey Volovich
sue Wallace
john Walsh
isaac Warkentin
paul Warywada
lorne Weiss
sydney Westwood
pierce Wright
albert yzer
Beverly ann Zaharia
teenie Zawerucha
Bessie Zelickson
Frank Zeller
henry Zeller
Dennis Zelt
in Honour oF
madison Barnes
ted Baron
marianne Blandigneres
Rochelle Blumenthal
Dr Ron Dlin
andrea Doyle
Dr glen Drobot
Dr john Ducas
Dr Darren Freed
noah globerman
elaine goldberg
ethel gorden
everett haidey
eleanor herst
jeff & heather Koplovich
Barrie & marvelle
mcpherson
martin minuck
pat murphy
shana nodel
pearl palay
mr & mrs s palay
arni pedersen
mimi pollock
steven promislow
anthony l Quaglia
Dr michael m Rachlis
Becky & harry Rosenberg
harvey secter
sandy & phil sheegl
David taras
Dr alex Vajcner
Darrell Vesa
emily Williamson
elaine Wyseman
Dr alex & hariette Zimmer
smith carter architects &
engineers inc.
st Boniface general hospital
- staff 4th Floor geriatrics
st Boniface general hospital
- staff 5B
you MaKe a DiFFerenCe!
When you donate to the st-Boniface hospital Foundation, you are making a difference
in the lives of people both here at home in manitoba and all around the world.
your donation stays in manitoba and supports world-class medical research and advances
in patient care at the st-Boniface hospital. please send your donation to D1003-409 taché avenue,
Winnipeg mB R2h 2a6, phone (204) 237-2067 or donate online at saintboniface.ca.
saintboniface.ca